MileHacker Logo
Where to Stay in Alor Setar

Where to Stay in Alor Setar

Alor Setar Kedah, Malaysia Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Standard Lodging

  • Luxury Hotels (4-5 star)

    Limited options, including international chains or upscale local hotels. These establishments include comprehensive services, amenities like swimming pools, and multiple dining choices. The Royale Chulan Alor Setar is an example.

  • Mid-Range Hotels (3-star)

    This common category features comfortable rooms with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and standard amenities. Raia Hotel & Convention Centre and Grand Alora Hotel are examples.

  • Budget Hotels (1-2 star)

    Basic amenities, often smaller local establishments. These are fitting for short stays or travelers prioritizing cost savings.

  • Guesthouses/Homestays

    Smaller, locally-run establishments with a personal experience. Some may feature shared facilities for a closer connection to local life.

Specialty Stays

  • Hostels

    Very limited dormitory-style accommodation within Alor Setar. Seek carefully or consider nearby cities.

  • Unique Local Accommodation

    Traditional "Rumah Kedah" (Kedah House) style homestays might be in surrounding rural areas. They show traditional Malay living, often with wooden architecture and a tranquil village setting. Not common downtown.

  • Vacation Rentals and Apartments

    Some places feature apartment-style accommodation, often with kitchenettes. These suit longer stays or families needing more space and self-catering facilities. StarCity Hotel offers serviced apartment units. Search on Booking.com or Vrbo.

  • Homestay and Community-Based Tourism

    Official "Homestay Malaysia" programs might feature options in villages near Alor Setar. They offer cultural immersion, living with local families, and participating in daily village activities. Book through specific agencies or the Ministry of Visiting.

Neighborhood Guide

Choosing the right neighborhood for your accommodation shapes your experience in Alor Setar. Each area features a distinct character and proximity to attractions.

City Centre Pusat Bandar

Advantages
  • Walking distance to attractions
  • Ample food options
  • Good public transport links
  • Historic atmosphere
Disadvantages
  • Can be noisy due to traffic
  • Parking sometimes challenging
  • Bustling during the day
  • Less contemporary feel

Jalan Putra / Aman Central Area

Advantages
  • Access to modern amenities
  • Shopping and diverse restaurants
  • Easy Grab service access
  • Generally newer hotels
Disadvantages
  • Further from historic sites
  • Less traditional ambiance
  • Urban hum during the day
  • Some areas busy into the evening

Kuala Kedah Area

Advantages
  • Convenient for early ferries to Langkawi
  • Generally quieter setting
  • Coastal views
  • Relaxed pace
Disadvantages
  • Limited dining options
  • Limited entertainment
  • Requires transport to city attractions
  • Fewer non-stop attractions nearby

Location Considerations

Safety Advice

All areas in Alor Setar are safe for tourists. Apply standard precautions against petty crime in crowded areas like markets or bus stations.

Connectivity

City Centre: excellent proximity to historical attractions, short ride from Shahab Perdana Bus Terminal and Alor Setar Railway Station. Jalan Putra / Aman Central: easy access to shopping, requires a Grab ride to historic sites. Kuala Kedah: convenient for ferry travel, transport needed for city attractions.

Booking Strategies

Thoughtful booking reserves your preferred accommodation and offers potential savings.

When to Book

  • High Season (December-February, and major Malaysian holidays): Book 1-3 months in advance. Popular hotels book up fast, and prices often increase closer to travel.
  • Shoulder Season (March-August): Booking a few weeks in advance usually confirms good options.
  • Low Season (September-November): Good deals and walk-in availability during monsoon season.
  • Special Events: During local festivals or events, earlier booking is always advised.

Where to Book

  • International Platforms: Booking.com, Agoda, IHG Hotels, Hostelworld, Vrbo are widely used and reliable for booking accommodation.
  • Hotel Websites: Booking via hotel websites sometimes has loyalty points or exclusive deals.
  • Local Travel Agencies: These agencies may have packages or specific homestay arrangements not always online.
  • For longer, unique stays, TrustedHousesitters offers exchange opportunities.

Important Considerations

Payment & Policies
  • Cancellation: Policies vary by accommodation and booking platform. Always check specific terms and conditions.
  • Most online bookings use a credit card guarantee; many offer free cancellation up to a certain period before arrival.
  • Fixed rates apply at most hotels.
  • Small guesthouses might offer slight discounts for cash or longer stays.
Price Trends
  • Fluctuations: Accommodation prices typically peak during high season plus national holidays.
  • They are lower during the monsoon or low season (September-November) and certain parts of the shoulder season, presenting better value.
  • Book in advance for favored choices during peak times.
  • Consider off-peak travel for possible savings.

Negotiation Customs

Walk-in Rates

Walk-in rates are generally fixed at most hotels.

Small Establishments

Cozy guesthouses or budget accommodations might offer a slight discount for cash payments or longer stays.

General Practice

Negotiation is not a strong custom in Malaysia for accommodation pricing.

Accommodation Recommendations

Alor Setar accommodation options suit every budget and travel style.

Traveler Types

Budget-Friendly

Look for guesthouses or small local hotels near the city center. Options like Hotel Seri Malaysia Alor Setar or Hotel Samila confirm basic comfort at affordable rates.

  • Hotel Seri Malaysia Alor Setar
  • Hotel Samila
  • City Centre Guesthouses
  • Local cheap accommodations
Family Options

Families benefit from hotels with family rooms, connecting rooms, or suites. Properties with swimming pools, like Grand Alora Hotel or The Royale Chulan, are popular. Vacation rentals offer more space and kitchen facilities.

  • Grand Alora Hotel
  • The Royale Chulan Alor Setar
  • Serviced Apartments
  • Vacation Rentals

Experience Levels

Mid-Range Comfort

Consider 3-star hotels offering good amenities and a convenient location. Grand Alora Hotel and Raia Hotel & Convention Centre are popular choices.

  • Grand Aloran Inn
  • Raia Hotel & Convention Centre
  • Various city hotels
  • Hotels near Aman Central
Luxury Retreats

For an upscale experience, choose 4-5 star hotels with full services and amenities, like The Royale Chulan Alor Setar.

  • The Regale Chulan Alor Setar
  • Premium hotel suites
  • Hotels with diverse dining
  • Properties with pools

Special Stays

  • Solo Traveler Friendly

    Solo travelers seek budget-friendly hotels or guesthouses in the city center for easy access to attractions and food. Guesthouses balance cost and privacy. Prioritize safe locations with good connectivity.

  • Longer Visits

    For long stays, serviced apartments or vacation rentals with kitchen facilities are ideal. These present the comfort of a home. Some hotels discount for longer stays.

  • Unique Guesthouses

    Discover smaller, characterful guesthouses for a singular stay experience.

  • Homestay Immersion

    Consider homestay programs in nearby villages for a cultural immersion experience with local families.

Cultural Significance

  • Historic Immersion

    No specific hotels in Alor Setar are historic sites themselves. Staying in the city center brings immersion in historical surroundings, featuring a lot of attractions nearby.

  • Traditional Ambiance

    Some guesthouses capture a more traditional local ambiance, reflecting Kedahan architectural styles.

  • Paddy Field Views

    Properties in the outskirts may feature serene views of the surrounding paddy fields, a distinctive landscape of Kedah.

  • Rural Charm

    Look at different choices in calmer, village-like areas for a peaceful and authentic local experience.

Family-Friendly Stays

Space and Comfort

Families benefit from hotels with family rooms, connecting rooms, or suites, providing ample space.

  • Family rooms or suites
  • Connecting room options
  • Serviced apartments with kitchenettes
  • Vacation rentals for more space
Amenities for Children

Properties with swimming pools, like Grand Alora Lodging or The Royale Chulan, are popular with children, offering recreational activities.

  • Hotels with swimming pools
  • Kid-friendly dining options
  • Proximity to parks or attractions
  • Availability of baby cots (on request)

Exceptional Properties

The Royale Chulan Alor Setar

An upscale hotel offering comprehensive services, a swimming pool, and multiple dining choices.

Grand Alora Hotel

A popular 3-star option with good amenities, including a pool, and a convenient location.

Raia Hotel & Convention Centre

A mid-range hotel offering comfortable rooms and suitable for both leisure and professionals on business trips.